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| Sanford Lake Weed Control |
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| Applying Renovate |
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| Eurasian Milfoil |
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Drain Commissioner 220 W Ellsworth St Midland, MI 48640-5194 Phone: (989) 832-6770 Map and Directions |
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Sanford Lake Improvement Board BOARD MEMBERS Douglas Enos - Drain Commissioner MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2010 All meetings in 2010 are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.at the Jerome Township Hall, 3243 N. West River Rd., Sanford, MI 48657 March 18, 2010 LAKE STATISTICS
The Sanford Lake Improvement Board was created in 1975. It's main task was to attempt to deal with excessive weed growth in the lake. The weed that was of greatest concern was a non-native species know as Eurasian Water Milfoil. Edmands Engineering was hired to study the problem and the study resulted in recommendation of a six-foot winter draw -down of the lake. This was performed over the winter of 1978-79. Approximately 6000 stumps were removed at this time as well. Slightly over $96,000 was raised through special assessments. The average lakefront lot was assessed $36. The Board did not meet from 1981 to 1985. In 1987-88, another draw-down was conducted. A heavy snowfall occurred just after the lake was lowered and apparently hindered the effectiveness of the draw down. This project was funded from money remaining from the 1978 project. In 1999 the Board was reconstituted by resolutions from Jerome and Edenville Townships along with the Village of Sanford. Progressive A-E was hired by the Board to develop a plan for managing the lake. The plan, subsequently developed and implemented, consisted of a number of items.
The three-year program had an annual budget of $190,000 and was financed by special assessments to the lakefront land owners and local municipalities. The approximate cost per lot for a lakefront owner was $126 per year. In 2003, the program was extended for an additional three years. The three year management plan for 2004 - 2006 was more narrowly focused. It concentrated on chemical treatments and on mechanical harvesting of aquatic weeds. A continuation of the educational component with an annual newsletter was also included. An annual budget of $173,800 was established. This project was funded by use of an $86,700 surplus from the previous project and by special assessments for the remainder. The assessment on a lakefront lot was $96.00 per year. Background Previous water sampling projects have indicated that Sanford Lake is rich in nutrients. In the late 1990's, zebra mussels invaded the lake and made the water quite clear. The combination of these two factors makes Sanford Lake a prime habitat for aquatic vegetation. Much of the aquatic vegetation in Sanford Lake consists of species that are native to Michigan. These weeds provide habitat for fish and are generally viewed by biologists as being an asset to the lake. Other species are not native to Michigan and can cause problems. One such plant is Eurasian water milfoil. Milfoil Eurasian water milfoil is a fast growing plant that grows to the surface and can form a dense canopy. This canopy shades out other more desirable plants and can be a hindrance to both boating and swimming. It is control of this plant that is the main focus of the lake management plan. Harvesting of milfoil is, however, not a real option. Milfoil spreads by fragmentation. To harvest milfoil is to spread it. Any attempt at control of milfoil must be done either chemically or biologically. There have been tests and trials with a weevil that eats milfoil. While some limited success has been reported using weevils, they do not seem to provide widespread control in large areas. The jury is still out on their scope of application. Chemical treatment for milfoil is where most of the effort and cost will be concentrated. Several different chemicals are available for use against milfoil. Each have certain strong points along with some weak points. Harvesting One part of the management plan is for the cutting and removal, or harvesting, of plants. This procedure will be implemented in areas of native weeds which are so dense as to cause problems for boating. This generally means that a lane will be cut so that people can get their boats from their docks out to open water. There are several drawbacks to harvesting. The harvester is not maneuverable enough to cut between docks, it needs 18" to 2' of water and the many stumps in the lake can be a huge concern. It is also a very temporary solution to the plant control program. Herbicides 2, 4-D is a systemic chemical, meaning it kills the entire plant, roots and all. 2, 4-D has historically been one of the most successful chemicals used against milfoil. One of the drawbacks to it is a restriction around household wells, particularly shallow wells. Trichlopyr, with a brand name of Renovate, is a newer chemical approved for aquatic use. It is also a systemic chemical but is has a somewhat lengthy recommendation to not use the water for irrigation. It was used in some areas in 2003 and performed quite well. The non-irrigation restriction was lifted after a period of approximately three weeks. Reward is another available chemical which does not have a well setback restriction, but it is a contact herbicide, rather than a systemic one. This means that it kills only the portions of the plant with which it comes into contact. It does not translocate and kill the root of the milfoil. Flouridone, with a brand name of Sonar, has also been used successfully against milfoil, most notably at Houghton Lake. However, this procedure requires a long contact time (approximately 45 days) and to date the slow release version of the chemical--which would be required in Sanford Lake because of the flow-through situation--has not been approved by MDNRE for general use. An experimental treatment was conducted in Wixom Lake in 2004. Unfortunately high flows after heavy rains in late May compromised the test. Other weeds Curly-leaf pondweed is another exotic weed which can reach nuisance densities. It responds well to Reward treatments. Wild Celery or Eelgrass are native weeds which can become a nuisance, particularly near shore. It grows later in the season and can become a problem after mid July. It can be treated with a copper based product called Nautique. The treatment is normally only partially successful. Algae is a non-rooted plant which can develop in hot dry weather. It often forms an unpleasant scum on the water surface. A treatment with copper sulphate temporarily will control this. 2010 MANAGEMENT PLAN The management plan for 2010 will not be finalized until a spring weed survey has been conducted and until the applicator Professional Lake Management has secured an application permit from MDEQ. In general terms, those areas where milfoil is growing in Jerome Township and the Village of Sanford will be treated with 2, 4-D. Several small areas near known wells will receive treatment with Renovate. These treatments will take place in mid to late May. Where large beds of curly-leaf pondweed are identified, Reward will be used in late May to early June. Algae treatments will be conducted throughout the summer as may be necessary. Eelgrass may be treated in late July to early August with Nautique. Harvesting in some areas near shore is also a possibility. Both harvesting and Nautique treatments are dependent not only upon conditions but also upon budget considerations at that time. FINANCIAL/BUDGET ASSESSMENTS The present management program is a four year program running through 2010. It is financed by special assessments upon the land owners and on the municipalities along with funds remaining from the previous program. The annual assessments are as follows:
BUDGET
COSTS The Lake Improvement Board has contracted with Professional Lake Management of Caledonia, Michigan to provide aquatic herbicide services in 2010 at the following rates:
The Improvement Board has also contracted with Mike's Clearwater Harvesting, Inc. from Lake Orion, Michigan for aquatic plant harvesting at $310.65 an acre. Treatment & Harvesting Dates and Information
For additional information please call the Sanford Lake Hotline at (989)837-7139 |
